Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2002/02/17
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Julian, I tend to feel the same way. At 400 speed, I use only XP-2. I use other films because I'm not comfortable pushing XP-2, so it's always Tri-X or something else above 400. Below 400, it's Scala or APX25 for me. XP-2 isn't the *best* film out there, but I love the look. At ISO400, it has relatively little shadow detail, but seemingly infinite highlight detail. It looks, to me, as though a red filter was used all the time. I submit some of my own shots here as illustrations: http://www.availabledark.com/html/wnj05.htm http://www.availabledark.com/html/ali11.htm http://www.availabledark.com/html/friends22.htm I can't think of any other film that gives me that look. I guess the only other reason one might use a "real" B&W film is longevity. Regards, Colin http://www.availabledark.com > -----Original Message----- > From: owner-leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us > [mailto:owner-leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us] On Behalf Of > Julian Koplen > Sent: Sunday, February 17, 2002 2:32 PM > To: leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us > Subject: [Leica] With XP-2, why develop B/W? > > > The question in the subject line has to do with a certain > resistance on my part. I assembled most of the materials > necessary to process my own B/W negatives, as I had done some > 35 years ago. But each time I prepare to get some > conventional B/W film for home processing, I ask myself "why > not just use XP-2 with its smooth tonality and fine grain, > then pay Wal-Mart $1.80 for C-41? > > Obviously, if one needs 3200 speed or super fine detail, that > could be a reason to use conventional B/W, or if one simply > enjoys the process, but aside from that, for general shooting > where ISO 400 is adequate, why isn't everybody just using > XP-2? What special are you getting from Delta 400, FP-4, Tri-X, etc? > > For background, I gave up my Valoy II and became dormant in > the hobby many years ago, but am now taking a few pictures > again, getting negatives done at Wal-Mart, and then doing the > rest with my computer, Picture Window 3.x, and Epson 1270. > > Thanks for any insights (and hopefully, for the inspiration > to wet my own again). > > Julian - -- To unsubscribe, see http://mejac.palo-alto.ca.us/leica-users/unsub.html